Peugeot Landtrek vs Mitsubishi Triton vs Nissan Navara: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Bakkies still rule the roost in aspirational South Africa, but brand loyalty is fading fast as the costs of operating a big diesel are changing. We take a look at some left field options to see what the operating costs look like.
It's no secret that South Africans love bakkies, but with fuel costs rising exponentially, the reasons and costs associated with owning one are changing rapidly. Consumers are now looking for bakkies with minimal operating costs, and big brands no longer hold as much sway.
Related: Changan Hunter vs. P300 vs. Landtrek vs. Foton G7: The best bakkie under R600k in SA
Determining the lowest running costs depends on whether you prioritise daily fuel savings, long-term maintenance, or warranty coverage. For 2026, the market has shifted, with the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton now sharing a platform, while the Peugeot Landtrek remains the outlier.
How reliable is the Peugeot Landtrek?
Fuel efficiency
The Nissan Navara and Peugeot Landtrek currently lead in claimed efficiency, though real-world figures vary by driving style.
| Vehicle | Engine | Claimed fuel consumption |
| Peugeot Landtrek | 1.9TD (Manual) | 7.1 L/100 km |
| Nissan Navara | 2.5DDTi (4x2 Manual) | 7.2 L/100 km |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 2.4L Bi-turbo | 7.6 L - 7.7 L/100 km |
Winner: Peugeot Landtrek (by a hair). However, the Navara's 2.5L engine often handles heavy loads with less strain than Peugeot’s smaller 1.9L, which may equalise costs if you tow frequently.
Maintenance & parts
Maintenance costs are heavily influenced by local parts availability and Right to Repair laws.
Nissan Navara (Best for Parts): Because the Navara is locally produced (in South Africa), parts are generally more affordable and readily available. This reduces "downtime" costs and long-term repair bills once the service plan expires.
Mitsubishi Triton: Historically known for bulletproof reliability, but parts can be pricier than Nissan's because they are imported. The 2026 model shares many components with the Navara, which may lower costs over time as parts become more common.
Peugeot Landtrek: As an emerging bakkie brand (based on the Changan Hunter platform), its parts network is the smallest of the three. This can lead to higher costs for specialised components and longer wait times for repairs.
Warranty & service plans
If you plan to sell the vehicle after 3–5 years, the cost of ownership is predictable
- Nissan Navara: Offers the best mechanical peace of mind with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty.
Mitsubishi Triton: Offers a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, making it the champion for high-mileage users (e.g., long-distance couriers or site managers).
Peugeot Landtrek: Generally comes with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan, which is standard but less competitive than Nissan’s length or Mitsubishi’s mileage.
The Verdict
The Navara's local production (for now) keeps parts costs down, its fuel economy is nearly identical to the leader's, and its 6-year warranty covers you longer than the others. The Triton's 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty means you won't pay for major mechanical failures even if you drive 60 000 km a year, while the Landtrek has the lowest entry-level fuel claim, though its higher parts costs and depreciation may eat those savings over 5 years.
